Archbishop Hannan's funeral set: St. Louis Cathedral to be overflowing

More than 1,000 people are expected to attend Archbishop Philip Hannan's funeral

Published: Wednesday, October 05, 2011, 3:30 PM     Updated: Wednesday, October 05, 2011, 3:43 PM

By Times-Picayune Staff The Times-Picayune More than 1,000 people are expected to attend the funeral Mass of Archbishop Philip Hannan at St. Louis Cathedral on Thursday, including local and national dignitaries, the archdiocese said Wednesday. Twenty-three members of the Hannan family will be in attendance, as well as Victoria Reggie Kennedy, the widow of the late Senator Ted Kennedy.

The archdiocese has released the program for the funeral. Hannan died last week on the 46th anniversary of his appointment, at the age of 98.

The 29-page program includes key dates in Hannan's religious life and a detailed biography of his public life, including accounts of his military service with the 82nd Airborne Division.

It also includes a long list of religious who will help conduct his funeral at St. Louis Cathedral.
Eighteen Catholic bishops from across the country will concelebrate the service with several hundred priests. Ten clergy and religious leaders from other faith traditions will also be in attendance, and members of the 82nd Airborne, the brigade Archbishop Hannan served with during World War II, will serve as honor guard.

Enlarge Rusty Costanza, The Times-Picayune RUSTY COSTANZA / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE New Orleans Archbishop Gregory Aymond waves to the crowd as he takes part in a funeral procession for Archbishop Philip M. Hannan in New Orleans on Wednesday, October 5, 2011. Funeral Procession of Archbishop Hannan proceeds to St. Louis Cathedral gallery (20 photos)

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Several longtime friends of Archbishop Hannan have been asked to serve as honorary pallbearers. They are Gayle M. Benson and Tom M. Benson, Honorable Corinne C. (Lindy) Boggs, Joseph C. Canizaro, Alma A. Cartagena, Klara B. Cvitanovich, Dr. Norman C. Francis, Mrs. Lawrence D. Garvey, Alden J. “Doc” Laborde, Anne M. Milling, J. Garic Schoen, Phyllis M. Taylor, and V. M. Wheeler III.
Many civic officials are expected to attend as well, including Gov. Bobby Jindal and his wife Supriya, New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu and his wife Cheryl, Jefferson Parish President John Young, St. Bernard Parish President Craig Taffaro, New Orleans Police Chief Ronal Serpas with his wife and several parish and city council people and state legislators and representatives.
While St. Louis Cathedral is expected to be full to overflowing with those attending the funeral Mass, a large screen will be set-up in Jackson Square with seating for 300 on a first-come, first-serve basis. Accommodations are being made for those watching outside to also receive communion.